Don't try to Summer your Winter

There's a reason for the seasons

When I was deciding to move back to Los Angeles, I knew it was the right move at the right time, but one of my biggest hesitations was the lack of seasons.

As a native Californian, I was never entirely sure why I was drawn to seasons as much as I have been. It is not like I grew up with snow days and white Christmases (not counting that white-out central valley fog), nor beautiful fall foliage.
Yes, I love eating seasonally (no thank you asparagus in November or butternut squash in the summer), but that is easy to abide by here, and the temperate climate just means more options. Yes, I like a reason for yummy sweaters and beautiful coats, but no matter where I live it is not like I am diving into a fashion-forward existence.

So I figured as long as I book a ski/snow weekend or few each year, plan some seasonally appropriate trips and and make sure I have a few cold and festive Christmas days, I would get my seasonal needs met.

And it has worked.

That, plus LA has had more “winter” than I ever remember it having. More than I would maybe even like, if only because all the rain (which of course we need) means less tennis.

But it all really clicked recently when I heard the phrase “don’t try to summer your winter” and it seemed obvious why we as people need seasons just as much as the earth does. I naturally feel the difference in how I want to spend the days in each season, but I love the idea of really appreciating them for what they are.

Summer days are glorious - long and sunny, full and loose, and fun. You can really maximize the days and fit so much in - who needs to rush home when it is still light at 9:00 p.m.? Go out night after night, say yes to the trip, the beach day, the early morning hike or swim, a full work day, then dinner and the extra cocktails - of course, it’s summer! But life wouldn’t be quite right if it was summer 365 days a year.

So when we feel sleepy and hermit-y in the winter, it makes sense. It is cold and dark, a time meant for rest and hibernation, being slow and inward. But for those of us who are natural summers, either by nature or nurture or just the expectations of modern life, we can feel bad that we aren’t as vibrant and go-getting during these shorter days. We can feel lousy or behind if we aren’t taking advantage of the days like we “usually do.”

But don’t!

Let this be a little reminder if you are feeling slow or quiet, sleepy and even a bit bluesy for moments or days or stretches this season - we are supposed to. This is the season to rest and rejuvenate, enjoy the quiet and refill our coffers.

Because just as we shouldn’t try to summer our winters, I want to be ready and rested to take advantage of whatever may happen in the sunny days ahead!

Snowing in Central Park December 17, 2020. I flew to California the next day for Christmas and in that trip decided to move back to LA.

Getting caught in the storm the night before, but enjoying being out and in it.

P.S - If you enjoyed this or any other writings here, please share, comment, and like.
Also, if want to follow the spirit of Any Topic, please feel free to suggest topics via comments or email. Thank you! xx